$ Seth Thomas square clock

[Salsagev]

I have this large square Seth Thomas. It is in pretty poor condition but it seems to be very heavy duty compared to other clocks... and it also is 30 day which is interesting. There is a lot of dial damage. The movement is not exposed in any way. Any information and valuation? Thanks.

 

[Dave T]

I'm suspecting it has an 86 movement. Interesting clock.
What are the physical dimensions of the case and diameter of the dial?

 

[Salsagev]

The dial is 14 inches and the case is roughly 2x2

 

[Kevin W.]

You will find they are very good movements. Well made and nice to service. Its really too bad about the dial too. Nice its 30 days running clock. Its a nice find.

 

[Salsagev]

What is the model of this clock?

 

[Dave T]

I've never seen this model, but here's a comparable example: Antique Clock Details

I'm inclined to think yours is one of the earlier versions.
They are sometimes commonly referred to as Office or Lobby clocks. (as in my avatar)

 

[Salsagev]

I was also thinking the office 11 but it looked different. Maybe somebody has a Seth Thomas book?

 

[Dave T]

Where on your clock is that keyhole? (shown in the last picture) And what's it for? Does it lock the round door?

 

[Salsagev]

I don’t quite understand how this case was built. The hole is in the left side. The key hole is empty. There is many maybe flakes of lead paint which I may be concerned about. I don’t know what it’s supposed to do. The dial cover just slightly lifts up and is unlocked. Thanks.

 

[Dave T]

How about some full pictures of all the sides. It's difficult to see what we're talking about.
Looks as if, in the last picture that the little square block of wood with the hole is attached to the front of the clock only where the dial sits. And a lock was or should be there. To enable opening the whole front of the clock with the bezel as one piece.
Are there any hinges on the right side front of the clock, besides the one hinge on the round door?

 

[Salsagev]

Im not near the clock right now. I can tell you that there looks to be hinge holes on the right side ON the main front board.

 

[Dave T]

That sounds reasonable. And it locked from the other side. The whole front should open.

 

[Salsagev]

The entire front? Like including the dial?

 

[Dave T]

I don't have a full picture right now, but here's what my Lobby clock looks like opened from the front.
And the movement mounts on a backboard that's inserted from the front.

 

[Salsagev]

Ah, I see. How much is this my clock worth?

 

[Dave T]

Don't know. But it is not common as far as I know. It's rather plain comparably, but I like the looks of it. And the 30 day option is desirable.
Need someone with a Trans Du Luy book or other reference to help.

Open it up and show us some more pictures.

 

[Kevin W.]

I paid 200 Can for a similar wall clock, 30 day and made by Seth Thomas.

 

[Salsagev]

I paid 100 USd. Is the lead dial paint dangerous?

 

[Kevin W.]

I doubt the paint will hurt you. Unless you are licking it. Perhaps wear a mask if you wish to remove it.

 

[Salsagev]

Hope these pictures help. should I try Howard’s restor a finish on this?

 

[Dave T]

No not really, Just adds to the mystery. The case has obviously had some modification. And I have yet to see a Seth Thomas clock of this type with beveled sides, and a wooden bezel on the dial.
The case shows evidence of a hinge, but don't see how that could ever have been used here. It was on the outside of the front.
I was expecting to see something like this. (With a barrel hinge)

 

[Salsagev]

I will have to see how the case was constructed. So I should not use Howard’s?

 

[Dave T]

Can't really see what the finish is like on it. If it's smooth, and not 'alligatored', I would probably clean it with GoJo and maybe some 0000 steel wool, and see what that does to it. Can't hurt anything. And if it's showing improvement then you could apply a coat of paste wax if you're satisfied with it.

Looks like it's also cracked right down the center.

 

[Salsagev]

There looks to just be a finish. There is wood texture of oak. How mould I remove the water staining?

 

[Dave T]

I think the front is solid oak. Clean it good as I mentioned, and then see what you have. If the stain is still there, you could try the Howards or some such.

 

[Salsagev]

Ok, I will try that, thanks.

 

[Salsagev]

I tried out the Howard’s and it’s looking better although the stain is still there. Here are some pictures of the inside. Very large and heavy duty looking movement.

 

[Dave T]

Yea, that's a solid clock. The movement as mentioned is an 86 and looks to be in good condition. No one has discarded the stop works gears, that's good.
The case looks well built and original.
But, how did you get it open? And what part of the clock is shown in the 3rd picture? Looks like it might be the front door. Does it open from the front on hinges as we suspected?
Is it hinged from the front as we thought?
Your pictures are clear, but they are too close up for proper perspective, or to identify what part of it we're looking at.

 

[Salsagev]

Is it hinged from the front as we thought?

It’s looking from the inside of the dial area from the left. I got it open by lifting the dial bevel area. Only the round part opens. I don’t think the entire thing opens.